After the odds in Björklöven: no police investigation

Of: Simon Norberg

Published: December 16, 2020 at 10:27 p.m.
Updated: December 16, 2020 at 10:39 p.m.

Photo: JOHAN LÖF / BILDBYRÅN

It’s only been 48 hours since the match-fixing suspicions against the match Björklöven and Mora took over.

Now the police announce that they are not launching an investigation.

“We have taken the situation into account and made an assessment,” Fredrik Gårdare, head of the police action group against sports-related crimes, tells Sportbladet.

Monday’s Allsvenskan hockey game between Björklöven and Mora, which finished 8-4 for the guests, has been surrounded by suspicions of match-fixing as there have been significant odds movements during the ongoing games.

But the next day, the theory was raised that the chaos may have arisen due to a technically incorrect alternative, human error.

Now the police have concluded that they will not initiate any investigation into the case.

– We have taken the situation into account and made an assessment. We do not have any criminal suspicions and we did not initiate an investigation, Fredrik Gårdare, head of the police action group against sports-related crimes, tells Sportbladet.

“Positive and unusual”

Gårdare has led several investigations into suspected match-fixing in soccer. Hockey has been relatively spared from the problem.

– We have only made a police assessment of the situation tonight. So we have no suspicions or preliminary investigation. We have collected all the information and have spoken with those involved and the unions. We take this kind of thing very seriously and we have looked carefully and tried to be quick as well because we understand that there are many who are shocked and worried.

Should it feel good to be able to cancel this case?

– It is positive and unusual. When we are suspicious, it is usually sadness. We can probably give a good message before Christmas.

Did you get a police report?

– Not specific, but the facts come from both the ice hockey association and the Swedish Sports Confederation. Good cooperation – completely in accordance with the national agreement sports – the police.

Sportbladet has contacted the Swedish Ice Hockey Association’s competition director, Olof Östblom, who is conducting the association’s investigation.

“We will take it tomorrow,” he writes in a short comment.

Published: December 16, 2020 at 10:27 p.m.